Aberdeen pupils teamed up with ICR Group to prove they have designs on life in the fast lane.
Bucksburn Academy took part in a science and engineering project supported by ICR. The initiative was run by the Greenpower Education Trust, a UK charity which aims to get young people enthusiastic about the sector by challenging them to design, build and race an electric car.
ICR supplied a carbon fibre body kit to make the kart more streamlined, lightweight and more aesthetically pleasing. Other companies contributed equipment, components and advice in what was a real team effort.
Ryan Crabb, key account manager, ICR Group, attended the school over five afternoons, plus three working days in the ICR Aberdeen workshop fabricating the composite plates to ensure they fitted the kit car.
He said: “This was a hugely worthwhile project for ICR to be involved in. The students were very proactive in coming up with ideas on how to make the car faster and were so eager to learn about all the processes required.
“The pupils mixed the resins, spread it on to the carbon fibre cloth and applied it to the car themselves, learning and following all the necessary safety procedures. They were keen to understand how it goes from a pliable material to a solid plate and how strong it actually was.”
The next step was a hugely competitive race, held at the Grampian Transport Museum in Alford. The Bucksburn Academy pupils won the ‘Best Portfolio Award’ and ‘The Spirit of Green Power Award’.
Ryan added: It was great to see their interest piqued. We’re delighted to have helped inspire the next generation.” Greenpower Education Trust is a UK charity with an outstanding track record in kick starting careers in engineering. It inspires young people around the world to excel in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through a unique challenge: to design, build and race an electric car. This helps unlock potential and spark enthusiasm for STEM through the excitement of motorsport.
Today is International Women in Engineering Day, which celebrates the amazing work of female engineers around the world.
By Molly Steele, Trainee Design Engineer at ICR Group, Carnforth
I’ve dreamed of being an engineer since I was a little girl.
Watching my dad, I always admired his work as an engineer. He travelled to a lot of different countries; engineering has given him so many opportunities. The way you can work with your hands and use your brain to work out solutions was really appealing to me.
While at Morecambe High School, I did work experience where my dad was based and gained a real insight into engineering. I knew then that it was the route I wanted to take.
Studying engineering at college and through my apprenticeship, I found my love for it. No two days were ever the same and I was constantly being challenged with new problems to solve.
I studied Level 3 Engineering for a year at Lancaster & Morecambe College. I was then offered an apprenticeship where I learned how to operate manual machines and basic use of CAD software. I went on to study Level 3 BTEC, an NVQ in Engineering and my NEBOSH general certificate. I’m currently studying an HNC in Mechanical Engineering at Kendal College and I hope to do an HND.
I was the only female on all my college courses, and I found that apprenticeships were often workshop based… these can be quite masculine environments. Understandably it was a challenge and I felt lonely at times, but I’m glad I persevered.
I joined ICR in September 2023 as a Workshop Technician for the Repair & Maintenance of On-site Machines, which gave me the chance to really grow my skillset.
ICR have been amazing in supporting my drive to develop my skills and I was given a six-month secondment in the Design Engineering division. I feel like I have found my ‘calling’ in this role – as this uses the best of my skills and challenges me every day.
Just two months into my secondment, I was offered the opportunity to transfer to the Engineering team as a Trainee Design Engineer … the highlight of my career so far.
I’m still dipping my toe into the engineering space, but I’ve been working with experienced Design Engineers to help design equipment for our machinery, making fixtures and learning how to use our 3D scanner.
Making something from scratch and seeing it become a model and then potentially a product that can make a difference is really satisfying.
The mentoring I get from my experienced colleagues is amazing and has really helped my confidence. Having them look out for me and helping me develop shows me that I’m good enough.
My end goal is to be the best version of myself. I want to push myself to give my all to the business as I know not everyone gets that opportunity.
There are always challenges – for men and women – but if you’re hardworking and driven they can be overcome. Being a female in engineering is great and I’m proud that I can be part of that. If there are any females doubting themselves my advice would be, believe in yourself and push forward … it’s worth it!
Jody Wells, Head of Sales – Carnforth, ICR Group, said: “It says so much for Molly that she persevered through some periods where she lacked in confidence and felt isolated in a male environment. She thrived, showing resilience in a career she felt massively passionate about.
“What Molly does is technically challenging and she’s a great example of how hard work combined with experienced mentoring and support can truly bring out someone’s potential. We’re proud at ICR to support International Women in Engineering Day and help ensure everyone gets the opportunity to fulfil their career aspirations.”
In this, INWED’s 11th year, the theme is #enhancedbyengineering which celebrates the impact the profession can make towards everyday lives.
INWED gives women engineers around the world a profile when they are still hugely under-represented, with 2021 figures indicating that in the UK only 16.5% of engineers are women. For more information on INWED, go to https://www.inwed.org.uk/
ICR Group provides integrated maintenance and integrity solutions to the energy, power, nuclear, telecommunications and defence industries. The company’s innovative services include inspection, repair, and maintenance – utilising advanced technologies to address corrosion and structural challenges. ICR has operations in the UK and worldwide.
Headquartered in Aberdeen, ICR operates in global locations with operations in the UK, Norway, Abu Dhabi, USA and Australia as well as partners all over the world. For more information, https://www.icr-world.com/
Katie Francis, HR Director at ICR Group, has been named a finalist at this year’s cHeRries Awards.
The awards recognise excellence in the fields of human resources, training and recruitment and the winners will be announced on Thursday, June 13.
Katie has been shortlisted in the HR Leader of the Year category.
Jim Beveridge, CEO at ICR, said: “Katie is hugely valued by all at ICR and this nomination is recognition of her many accomplishments. The talent and commitment of our team has helped ICR achieve growth in the UK and internationally. We wish Katie all the very best at the awards in June.”
A total of 27 individuals, teams and employers have been selected to go forward to the awards night at P&J Live in Aberdeen.
During the ADIPEC Exhibition and Conference held on October, Ross McHardy Group Director at ICR spoke with Julian Walker from Energy Connects about how we are embracing new opportunities as part of our commitment to strategic innovation and the pursuit of the energy transition. Ross outlines some of our technology solutions that can help make the oil and gas sector more sustainable, and also talks about the successes of 2023 and our future plans in the Middle East.